Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), today at his office, received Mr Atef Abu Saif, Palestinian Minister of Culture. Together they explored ways of promoting cooperation between the Organization and the State of Palestine in ICESCO’s areas of competence during the upcoming stage.

During this meeting, the two parties discussed the support programmes ICESCO may provide to the State of Palestine in the fields of education, science  and culture within the framework of its new vision that will step up communication with its Member States and identify the needs of each country in terms of programmes in line with their national sustainable development plans.

Talks also highlighted the importance of documenting the heritage landmarks in the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif and inscribing them on the Islamic World Heritage List with the aim of preserving its identity. During the meeting, efforts made by ICESCO for the restoration of the historical sites in the city were reviewed.

The two parties also examined the activities to be implemented as part of the closing ceremony of Al-Quds Culture Capital of the Islamic World for 2019, and the latest preparations for organizing Al-Quds Cultural Weeks in ICESCO Member States. They both reaffirmed their keenness to maintain fruitful cooperation between the Organization and the State of Palestine in the future.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Jamal Choubaki, Palestinian Ambassador to Morocco, Mr. Maher Abu Rida, Assistant Under-Secretary at the Palestinian Ministry of Culture and Mr. Najib Rhiati, Director of Culture at ICESCO.